LSD Revisited
Archives of General Psychiatry – January 01, 1971
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A significant 23% of 247 individuals who experienced d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) reported ongoing nonmedical use, citing personality changes attributed to the drug. However, overall evidence indicated minimal lasting alterations in personality, beliefs, or behaviors for the group. Interestingly, compulsive use patterns were rare; LSD's effects tended to diminish with repeated use, leading to a self-limiting experience. These findings shed light on the complex relationship between psychedelics and personality within clinical psychology and behavioral health contexts.
Abstract
A follow-up survey of 247 persons who received d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in either an experimental (nonmedical) or Psychotherapeutic setting was made to determine the lasting effects, if any, related to use of the drug. Information was collected from each by a structured interview and self-administered questionnaire. Some subsequent nonmedical use of LSD was reported by 23%, who attributed more personality changes to the drug's use. There is, however, little evidence that measurable, lasting personality, belief, value, attitude, or behavior changes were produced in the sample as a whole. Compulsive patterns of LSD use rarely developed; the nature of the drug effect apparently is such that it becomes less attractive with continued use and, in the long-term, is almost always self-limiting.